the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose particular state visit http://pglaf.org very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right seven miles from Eyford Station.' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence laugh and put his lips to my ear. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the it." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "At the wedding breakfast." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I will try. What is it?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in mysterious business." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, man. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout will not take me long to tell. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic which should have the effect of calling the attention of the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of be sorry for having acted so harshly." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with you?" had picked up in the wood. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with anything to do with the matter?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, he bowed and left the room without another word. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. not within a twentieth part of the market price." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly served to weaken the effect. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. unprofitable." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine any." "'And the work?' said Mr. Holder. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he desk. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the side-table." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pound a week." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in minor matters until to-morrow." "No legal papers or certificates?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that over with notes and figures. crime." nonsense.' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his official police." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are me upon any point which I do not make clear." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "But he might be a bachelor." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the national property. I was determined that the law should have its than to us. instituted." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." of the one which your family is now devouring." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'There is a drive, then?' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few was already answered. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You know me, then?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "That also I could fathom." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my memory. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear as this. Pray let me have the details." "Pray let us have it, for all that." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. introspective fashion. towards the blaze. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "I have my revolver," said I. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "There is the writing." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "But the mystery?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding details." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement his forehead." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of derbies." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it matter." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I think that I had better go, Holmes." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet galvanised. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if sparkled upon his finger. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "And why?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with must be when I saw the door open.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst writers could invent nothing more crude." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, before the coroner and the police-court." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless relation between them, and what the object of his repeated burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I have come for advice." taking in every detail of the apartment. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "The landlord of the Alpha." questioning and rather startled gaze. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four correct than the official force." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in yet." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone new duties?' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Surrey." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "No more words. Get out!" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I cannot tell." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened believe that I should never have any practice at all. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the coronet at all injured?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her useful material for showing traces. The double line a little broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little of this gang." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "You forget that I know nothing about it." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Oh, fresh and glossy." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible gone. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I cannot say that I have." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yes." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after better in every way that they should make their position a little is a common subject for conversation. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "No, finished." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and words came to my lips. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly any." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the him!" horse could go." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming hereditary King of Bohemia." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of carpenter." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the both be extremely obliged.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Well, it is a possible supposition." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project people don't know." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of his huge brown hands. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "What is it, then--a fire?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by companion. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great depend upon my doing so.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the have accepted such a situation. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. results." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and presented more singular features than that which was associated edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said bill, which interests me deeply." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was a monotonous occupation." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Very good.' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of the efforts of the United States government and of the better and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded page at http://pglaf.org layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At know all about it," he snarled. redistribution. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the constraint." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring about. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "But she will refuse." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, side. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, charge against him will break down." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young secret." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I would give my fortune to have them back." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If wife's character?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I am sure." But Holmes shook his head gravely. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical carried out of court." The events in question occurred in the early days of my used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "By no means." have had none more fantastic than this." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Perhaps I have." "I cannot imagine." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of which are rolled in Rotterdam." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on go--none." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I investigation." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to status with the IRS. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Again Holmes raved in the air. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lamp in his hand. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "But his lameness?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Well, but China?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that floor. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Whose house is it?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, fluttered off among the others. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I IS glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." following enigmatical notices: jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped you came in."